Courtesy

Courtesy

“Courtesy costs nothing but pays a huge dividend” is an apt maxim which has been guiding mankind through all the stages of civilization.” A man without a sense of courtesy” says the great essayist and moral teacher, Francis Bacon, “is an animal with human form.”

Courtesy is a term which can be explained and interpreted in various ways. Courtesy, as a matter of fact, is a term that embraces every walk of life and concerns all of us. Each of us is normally bound with one or other forms of curtest. We have to show courtesy, on one part to elders while they, on their part too, maintain certain principles of courtesy to be extended to their young ones. That is why the cult of courtesy is governed by the principle of “give and take”.

There are numerous instances of showing courtesy to others very simple and easy causing you absolutely no difficulty on strain. For example, if you are traveling in a bus which is packed with people and you have got seat but a lady is standing. It is the principle of courtesy that you should offer her your seat, no matter whether she accepts your invitation or not.

Another form of courtesy which is generally ignored by us is that of “thanking” and saying “Please” If someone offers you a cup of tea, before you accept it, you should say “thank you.” Even if you do not want to drink it, you should say.” Thank you, but I do not drink tea.” Similarly people also refuse to use the word “Please” which as a matter of fact costs nothing. It also has a tremendous impact on the other person.